Mariton: Something New Every Day

by Tim Burris, Preserve Manager.  Photos by Carole Mebus.

Mayapple (Podophyllum pelatum)

I have been doing a Wildflower Walk at Mariton for several years on the first Saturday of May. Each year, because of the length of the winter, we see different things in bloom.  Of course, we see a lot of the same things each year, but some years things are just starting to bloom, while other years they are fading.  Last year, I wasn’t sure if the Trilliums would be blooming – this year they were beginning to fade.

Red Trilium (Trillium erectum)

We saw some wonderful flowers in bloom. Two of the participants walk everyday at Mariton, and they tried to convey how each day there is something new to see.  That was nice.  I’ve been saying that for years in these Field Notes, so it was nice to hear someone say it also.

Showy Orchis (Galearis spectabilis)

Pennywort (Obolaria virginica)

Blackhaw Vibrunum (Viburnum prunifolium)

This last one is the Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium).  This is a Dogwood sized tree/shrub that has interesting bark, interesting flowers, interesting fruit, and colorful fall foliage.  It could be used a lot in wooded landscapes, but because it is a native it gets overlooked in favor of more garish shrubs.